The dental assisting field is rapidly growing right now, along with most medical-related careers.
People all over the country are taking the opportunity to get the training they need to secure a career in this in-demand career.
Find out more about a dental assistant’s career outlook in Oregon, including salary and training schools.
Get started now working in a career field that provides stability and flexibility.
Page Navigation
- 4 Top Dental Assisting Schools in Oregon
- Salary for a Dental Assistant in Oregon
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to become a dental assistant in Oregon?
- Do dental assistants need to pass a state exam to become a dental assistant in Oregon?
- Do you need to attend a dental assistant training program to begin your career?
- Do dental assistants need to recertify during their career?
- How long do you have after training to take the state exam?
4 Top Dental Assisting Schools in Oregon
SODAE Dental Assisting Program
This program lasts approximately eight months and provides all the education and training necessary to pass the state exam.
The tuition for this dental assisting program is $6995.
The school’s mailing address is P.O. Box 1383 Jacksonville, OR 97530.
The phone number for admissions is 541-531-4563.
Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School
This program provides hands-on training at a location that accepts patients.
Get the education and skills necessary to have a career in the dental assisting field with plenty of experience in a 50-hour internship.
The cost of tuition for this school is $5950.
The course lasts for 12 weeks.
The school is located at 19301 S. E. 34th St., #105 Camas, WA 98607.
The phone number for the campus is 360-706-1989.
OceanPointe Dental Assisting Academy of Portland
This 12-week program covers everything students need to know to start a career as a dental assistant.
The cost of tuition is $5k, and there is a payment plan available.
The school is located at 2111 NE. 40th Ave., Portland, OR 97212.
The phone number for the school is 971-323-1800
Practical Dental Assisting of Oregon
This 10-week program offers comprehensive training for students.
The tuition for the program varies but costs approximately $7,300.
The school is located at 1885 NW. Kings Blvd. Corvallis, OR 97330.
The phone number for the school is 541-760-8259.
Each dental assisting program has its own course outline, and tuition can vary from school to school.
Contact the admissions team to find out more about specific details related to schools and programs.
It is also important to note that some schools provide all course materials with tuition, and some require students to pay for books and other materials separately.
Dental Assistant Schools in Oregon – Summary Table
Top 4 Schools in Oregon
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| SODAE Dental Assisting Program | 4411 Brownridge Terrace, Medford, OR 97504 |
| Pacific Northwest Dental Assisting School | 19301 SE 34th St #105, Camas, WA 9860 |
| OceanPointe Dental Assisting Academy of Portland | 2111 NE 40th Ave, Portland, OR 97212 |
| Practical Dental Assisting of Oregon | 1885 NW Kings Blvd, Corvallis, OR 97330 |
Salary for a Dental Assistant in Oregon
The average salary for a dental assistant in Oregon is $40,819.
The salary can vary from clinic to clinic, and location and experience are also factors.
A highly trained, experienced dental assistant can earn well over $50,000 per year.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dental Assistants in Oregon
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $42,480 |
| Eugene | $39,903 |
| Salem | $40,291 |
| Gresham | $42,426 |
| Beaverton | $42,480 |
| Hillsboro | $42,344 |
| Medford | $39,044 |
| Springfield | $39,814 |
| Bend | $39,450 |
| Corvallis | $39,711 |
Regional Salary in Oregon
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, OR | 130 | $52,420 | $25.2 | $59,140 | $48,010 |
| Bend-Redmond, OR | 280 | $54,420 | $26.16 | $59,980 | $48,090 |
| Corvallis, OR | 110 | $51,580 | $24.8 | $58,720 | $48,750 |
| Eugene, OR | 620 | $51,330 | $24.68 | $57,120 | $47,150 |
| Grants Pass, OR | 90 | $53,180 | $25.57 | $59,930 | $47,910 |
| Medford, OR | 330 | $51,780 | $24.9 | $59,040 | $46,400 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 3,260 | $57,670 | $27.73 | $72,390 | $47,100 |
| Salem, OR | 560 | $54,780 | $26.34 | $60,160 | $47,980 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a dental assistant in Oregon?
The length of time it takes to become a dental assistant can vary.
Anyone training under a licensed dentist in Oregon may take anywhere from one to two years to get the hands-on knowledge and experience to pass the state exam.
Dental assistant training programs can range from 10 weeks in length to nine months.
Each training program has its own specific highlights and outline and covers various materials related to dental assistant careers.
However, most individuals can train and become certified within one year.
Do dental assistants need to pass a state exam to become a dental assistant in Oregon?
Yes, dental assistants need to pass the state exam to get their certification.
This comprehensive exam is usually not covered by dental assistant training programs.
To find out how much and when tests are available, contact the state’s dental assistant exam program or ask an admissions officer at a dental assistant training academy.
Do you need to attend a dental assistant training program to begin your career?
You do not need to attend a dental assistant training program to become a certified dental assistant.
Potential candidates can train under the supervision of a licensed dentist in the state of Oregon.
Training times vary when training independently with a licensed dentist.
However, most people can learn all the details related to becoming a dental assistant within one to two years.
Once this training is complete, the candidate will be required to take the state exam within three years.
Do dental assistants need to recertify during their career?
No, once a dental assistant passes the state exam and has all the prerequisites required, they can start their career immediately.
There is no need to recertify at any point later in their career.
If a dental assistant feels he/she needs to brush up on his/her skills after switching careers, he/she can go through a training program once again.
How long do you have after training to take the state exam?
Anyone who trains to become a dental assistant must take and pass the state dental assistant exam within three years.
After that length of time, a dental assistant must go through the training process once again.
This training can be hands-on experience under the guidance of a licensed dentist in Oregon, or it can be through an accredited dental assistant training program.
